Aims & Scope

Arts & Aesthetics is an interdisciplinary journal dedicated to advancing scholarly discourse in the fields of art, aesthetics, visual culture, and cultural theory. Our aim is to provide a platform for critical engagement with both contemporary and historical debates surrounding the philosophy of art, the role of aesthetics in society, and the complex relationships between art, culture, and technology. The journal seeks to foster a deeper understanding of how art and aesthetics shape, and are shaped by, human experience, identity, and society.

The scope of Arts & Aesthetics is broad, encompassing diverse artistic practices, theoretical frameworks, and critical methodologies. We encourage submissions that push the boundaries of traditional scholarship, engage with cutting-edge research, and contribute new insights to the evolving landscape of art and aesthetics.

Art Theory and Aesthetic Philosophy

Arts & Aesthetics provides a forum for exploring fundamental questions of aesthetic experience and the philosophy of art. We invite submissions that examine classical and contemporary aesthetic theories, the nature of beauty, the role of the senses in artistic experience, and the ethical dimensions of art. We welcome papers that engage with key figures in aesthetic philosophy, such as Immanuel Kant, John Dewey, and Arthur Danto, while also considering emerging philosophical paradigms in relation to art and aesthetics. Our focus is on how aesthetic theory intersects with other intellectual traditions, including metaphysics, ethics, politics, and epistemology.

Visual Culture and Art History

We aim to publish research that contributes to the understanding of visual culture in its many forms. Submissions may explore art history from any period or region, considering how art reflects and shapes cultural identity, power structures, social movements, and historical contexts. We are particularly interested in papers that examine the intersection of visual art with other media, such as photography, film, digital art, and performance. The journal encourages interdisciplinary approaches that engage with critical theory, semiotics, gender studies, postcolonialism, and race theory in the context of visual culture.

We also welcome studies that explore the global flow of art and culture, addressing how art is both produced and consumed in a transnational context. How do art markets, global exhibitions, and digital platforms reshape the way art is viewed, valued, and interpreted in different parts of the world? Papers that address these themes, and the role of art in the age of globalization, are especially encouraged.

The Impact of Technology on Art and Aesthetics

The rapid advancement of digital technologies has fundamentally transformed artistic practices and aesthetic experiences. Arts & Aesthetics seeks to explore the impact of new media, artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and other technological innovations on the creation, distribution, and reception of art. We are interested in articles that examine how emerging technologies are reshaping traditional forms of art, such as painting, sculpture, and theater, as well as how they are giving rise to entirely new forms of artistic expression, such as digital art, interactive installations, and algorithmically generated works.

Furthermore, we invite submissions that consider the philosophical implications of these technological shifts. What does it mean for art when the line between human creativity and machine-generated works becomes increasingly blurred? How do these technological advancements challenge traditional notions of authorship, authenticity, and originality? We are particularly interested in critical perspectives on the ethics of technology in art, as well as the implications for cultural production in a digital age.

Interdisciplinary Approaches to Art and Aesthetics

Arts & Aesthetics values interdisciplinary scholarship that draws connections between art and other fields of knowledge, including literature, sociology, psychology, philosophy, politics, and economics. We encourage submissions that explore the role of art in societal and cultural change, and that examine the ways in which art reflects, critiques, and engages with political, social, and economic structures.

We are particularly interested in research that bridges the gap between the visual arts and other forms of cultural production, such as music, theater, literature, and dance. How do different art forms intersect and influence one another? What can we learn from the ways in which various artistic traditions and cultural expressions communicate, challenge, and inform our understanding of the world?

Additionally, papers that explore the intersection of art with social issues, such as race, gender, identity, and inequality, are encouraged. We seek work that examines how art functions as a tool for social commentary and activism, addressing critical issues of justice, representation, and inclusion in the contemporary moment.

Aesthetic Experience and Perception

The journal also aims to investigate the cognitive and psychological dimensions of aesthetic experience. How do we perceive and interpret art? What psychological processes are involved in our responses to different kinds of artwork, from the deeply personal to the politically charged? We invite papers that delve into the study of perception, emotion, and the cognitive processes involved in the aesthetic experience. Research that combines empirical studies with theoretical insights from philosophy, psychology, and neuroscience is particularly welcome.

Furthermore, we are interested in studies that address the subjective and transformative power of art. How does art shape our emotional and intellectual lives? How do different forms of art influence the way we understand our own identity, history, and place in the world?

Creative Contributions and Visual Practice

Arts & Aesthetics is not only a space for theoretical exploration but also for creative contributions. We encourage the submission of innovative visual art projects, including digital art, photography, video installations, and experimental works. These submissions should be accompanied by an explanatory text that connects the work to broader aesthetic or cultural discussions.

We aim to highlight the role of artists as thinkers and philosophers in their own right, and we welcome submissions that challenge the boundaries of traditional academic writing and engage directly with creative practice.

Global Perspectives and Underrepresented Voices

The journal is committed to diversity and inclusivity, and we particularly encourage submissions from underrepresented voices and non-Western perspectives. We seek to highlight the rich diversity of artistic and aesthetic traditions around the world, offering a platform for research that explores art beyond Eurocentric paradigms. By incorporating a wide range of global perspectives, we hope to foster a more inclusive and comprehensive understanding of the role of art and aesthetics in shaping human experience.

Arts & Aesthetics aims to provide a vibrant and inclusive platform for scholars, artists, and thinkers to engage with the transformative power of art in all its forms. We invite research that pushes the boundaries of traditional aesthetic theory, explores new methodologies, and offers fresh insights into the ongoing dialogue between art, culture, and society.